The Right Bra Wardrobe

What do you need in a bra wardrobe? Well, Oprah Winfrey had a recommended list of five. However, her list doesn’t reflect the reality of most women’s lives - including the fact that most of us need more than one of any type of bra (because we aren’t going home every night to handwash lingerie!)

Let’s face it: many of us are moms who have busy lives that must include work, home and kids. Our budgets are limited. Our time is limited. We need our bra wardrobe to do many things for us, in addition to “lift and separate”!

With this in mind, here’s my list of must-have bras for women who need to have both fun and function from a bra wardrobe:

1. Two t-shirt / molded cup bras. Let’s face it, the seamless t-shirt bra is a staple. It works under a variety of clothing and is likely priced well. After all, what are you most likely to throw on in the morning - especially in summer months? (I rest my case.)
2. Two “date” bras. You do need more than one - just in case the first date spawns a second and you haven’t had time to wash your other date bra! It also allows you to have two different colors and style of date bra, for more fun. Consider a plunge, cleavage enhancing or demi bra for your date bras. With these bras, I recommend matching panties. There’s nothing better to help you feel sexy for your sweetie.
3. Three good “everyday” bras. These could be any style - most women prefer seamless - but I really recommend at least one seamed cup style. Even small busted women can find that seamed cups provide them with that certain something that lacks in other bra styles. While t-shirt bras (or molded cup styles) are lovely, the shaping and support offered by a seamed bra cannot be matched, even with the best seamless styles. Buying 3 “everyday” bras allow you to have different colors too. Pick something lovely and neutral so that even if you do not buy matching panties, you can find something in your drawer that looks good with it.
4. Two well-made camisoles. While not technically a bra, this garment can help with those shirts that are cut just a tad lower than you’d like or which are a bit more see-through. However, if you are fuller busted, consider a camisole that actually has a bra built in. This allows you to avoid having to double up with both a bra and a camisole. A well-made and elegant camisole can also serve as a shirt under a suit jacket for office work.

This means I’m recommending at least 7 bras be in your drawer (or 9 if you get camisoles with a bra built in) and ready to pull out. That should allow you to go through a week without having to resort to immediate handwashing of your lingerie. However, many of us will actually need more bras to help us better protect our garments from over-wearing. Your best bet? Stock up when your favorites are on sale!

If you are ready to get your shop on, check out Bare Necessities. They have lots of lovely bras for sale - and on sale.